As a public university, UCSF is firmly grounded in the belief that the expansion of knowledge, through scientific discovery, is core to our society’s freedom and prosperity. We also believe that our strength as a university stems from a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion, and respects every individual regardless of his or her religion or national origin.

To reaffirm and celebrate these values, UCSF will “Stand Up for Science” in solidarity with other members of the academic and scientific communities, including the Gladstone Institutes and the California Life Sciences Association. On Saturday, April 22, two morning events are scheduled to take place at Mission Bay:

“Stand Up for Science” Teach-In (8-10 a.m.), featuring UCSF faculty members who, during their careers, have pursued research that has clashed with political sentiments. Listen to stories from those experienced in advancing evidence-based health policy when politics interfered or presented seemingly immovable obstacles. RSVP to attend this event. The teach-in will be available via livestream.

“Stand Up for Science” Rally (10-10:45 a.m.), with the local life sciences community to speak out for our shared values of diversity and inclusion in advancing scientific discovery.

The severe budget cuts to federal funding for scientific research proposed by the new administration, particularly a 19 percent reduction in support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), are deeply concerning. UCSF is fortunate to have been a top recipient of NIH funds for many years and, as a public institution, it has been our privilege to fulfill our pact with taxpayers by conducting research that has improved the health of all Americans.

Be assured that our leadership team continues to work, in concert with the UC Office of the President, to stay apprised of federal actions and issues that have a significant impact on our university. We are strongly committed to keeping UCSF community members informed and taking appropriate actions to address these concerns and defend the values that are core to the University of California.

UCSF is advocating in our nation’s capital. Vice Chancellor for Science Policy and Strategy Keith Yamamoto is in Washington, DC working with Associate Director Natalie Alpert, our federal government relations lead, to actively represent UCSF. We remain aligned and in partnership with others who share our deep concerns, including our peer academic research institutions and national organizations such as the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). It is by working with our peers and colleagues that we can truly represent the breadth of support that exists for maintaining what has been consistent and long-standing bipartisan backing for the federal funding of biomedical research.

Related to these advocacy efforts, I want to acknowledge that many in our community have asked about UCSF participation...

As you know, President Trump signed a new immigration Executive Order yesterday that restricts entry into the United States for 90 days for citizens of six countries – Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. While this order has been revised from the one issued in January, we remain opposed to such bans because they impinge on the free flow of knowledge and information, which is core to UCSF’s mission. We remain deeply concerned about the impact of this immigration policy on our faculty, students, trainees, and staff – and on their families.

We also are concerned with a policy change announced on March 3 that suspends premium or expedited processing services for H-1B visa applications beginning on April 3 for a period of up to six months. This announcement by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service will have an impact on academic employees and trainees requiring initial H-1B status during the six-month period.

In the wake of these announcements, the University of California and UCSF reaffirm our utmost commitment to safeguarding and supporting the rights of all members of our community, especially those directly affected by these most recent actions to restrict travel and access opportunities here at UCSF.

During these times of uncertainty, we want you to know that we continue to monitor and analyze the impact of these and other executive actions, such as efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. We are consulting and coordinating with the UC Office of the President and our...

Bay Area media outlets have carried stories this week covering more than three years of reported violations of the Title IX Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy between January 1, 2013 and April 6, 2016 at the ten campuses of the University of California. Of the 113 cases that were included in this systemwide release of records, 26 cases occurred at UCSF. The release of these records is the result of several California Public Records Act requests made last spring by media outlets.

As a university dedicated to equity and inclusion, we strive each day to foster a climate and culture based on our PRIDE values of professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence. This includes respect for consent with regard to sexual behavior.

Under the leadership of President Janet Napolitano, UC has recommitted to cultivating an environment in which all UC students, faculty, staff and trainees are free from harassment and discrimination and has implemented policies and procedures to drive much-needed change. I applaud and support this work.

I assure you that UCSF has taken actions to both raise awareness of sexual violence and sexual harassment as well as to protect and support every member of the UCSF community.

When a report of sexual violence or sexual harassment is filed, we commit to clarity, fairness and timeliness in our investigation. We also commit that remedies or disciplinary actions resulting from such investigations will be appropriate with respect to the seriousness of substantiated behavior.